Oh Jesus

Last year in Gospel Choir at APU we sang a song called "Oh Jesus." Each part, soprano, alto, and tenor, had a unique melody to sing that wove themselves in and out of each other, creating an intricate and moving testimony to the tenderness, power, truth, justice, and love of Christ. I almost never was able to sing that song without tears coming to my eyes. It spoke to my heart of all God is and all He has been to me. In times of trials, it reminded me of His faithfulness. In times of joy, it reminded me of His greatness. In times of saddness, it reminded me of His nearness. In times of struggle, it reminded me of His calling. We sang it at the beginning of most of our concerts and it had a remarkable ability to set a tone of humility and of joy and of a sheer desire to worship the Living God for singers and listeners alike. The most amazing part, though, is that the song only consisted of two words, "Oh Jesus."

I was walking last night watching one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen and I started thinking about this song. I didn't plan it, but as I watched the sun slowly sink through the greying sky and into the heavy rain clouds painted orange and pink and purple on their edges, the words just came to my lips, "Oh Jesus." And even as I sang them, I saw something else. Just beyond the rain clouds there was a clearing. Through it I could see blue sky lit from behind with all the radiance of the sun, stubbornly refusing to dim its light even as it was on its way to rest for the night.

God has been speaking to me over the past few days and weeks in ways that I am not able to fully understand. But what I do understand is that He is so much more than I know. Because of the things I have seen over the past weeks here, those words, "Oh Jesus," somehow mean more to me than they did a month ago. They have more power. They carry more weight. They touch me in a deeper place. And still I know that there is more. Last night I was so focused on the beauty of the clouds in the sunset that I almost missed seeing the brilliance of the sunshine behind them. In the same way, God was showing me that, as beautiful as I think the things are that He is showing me now, this is only the beginning. There is more. He is more.


Thank you all so much for your continued prayers. I can assure you that they have been powerful! Please continue to pray for my last few days here - that I would not slow down, that I would find ways to be a blessing, and that I would give all that I have and all that I am so that I will leave with a peaceful spirit. I miss you all so much!

much love,
erin

Yesterday, Today, and Forever...

Hey friends! I don't have a lot of time to write, but I just wanted to assure those of you who have been following my little adventure that I did arrive safely in Kipkaren on Friday. I'll save the details of the story (mostly so that I can tell my parents what happened in a place where they can actually see me and know for sure that I am ok!), but I do want to say that God performed a complete miracle in getting me here. I don't know that I have ever sensed Him so closely or felt His hand move more powerfully in my life than I did that day. And the most amazing part of it is that He is the same today as He was in that moment. He never changes. He is always that close, always that real, always that involved, and always loves me just that much. It's a really great story. I'm sure I'll tell you all when I get home! :)

Other than that, things are great! I'm just trying to dive in to my last week here and see what life is like in Kipkaren without teams or other visitors. Please continue to pray for me over the next 5 days. Pray that God would guide me to the people He wants to connect me with and that I would always say, "yes" whenever I hear His voice. Pray that I would have the emotional energy and courage to let Him take me to deeper levels of understanding and of faith. And pray that I would have the opportunities to lay good foundations for the relationships that will continue even after I return back home. Thanks to the T.K. members who have continued to read about what's happening and are still praying for me! You guys are wonderful and I'm so thankful for each of you. To everyone else - I miss you all so much and wish you could all be here with me!

much love,
erin

Coming Home

Just a quick note from the last remaining member of Team Kenya:

Yesterday was a pretty amazing day! We had to leave our safari early, so we didn't get to go out for our morning game drive. However, Team Leader Brian, in his infinite wisdom and generosity, decided to take us to the Animal Orphanage in Nairobi. All of Roxy's wildest dreams came true as some of us got licked by the huge, rough toungue of a LEOPARD and got to go into the cheetah inclosure and pet and play with three CHEETAH sisters!! As Kacy would say (and, in fact, DID say) it was pretty much our FAVORITE DAY EVER! PRAISE THE LORD! Bryan also had fun as we had our lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant, and some of us experienced the trials and tribulations of bargaining for souveniers at the Zebra Market (don't ask Bryan about this one...he might punch you in the face). All in all, it was a really REALLY amazing day and a wonderful end to the team's trip.

Everyone got off on time and in one piece VERY early this morning. They will be heading to London, then to Chicago, and finally home. Please be in prayer for traveling mercies and good rest for them over the next 30 hours or so.

I am getting ready to catch a matatu (public bus - minivan size, 15 passenger capacity...should be good times!) from Nairobi back up to Eldoret to spend another week in Kipkaren. Please be in prayer for ME as we travel along some dangerous and uncomfortable roads!

Thanks to all who have been reading and responding. God is doing so much in all of us and there is so much to say, but (for me, at least) all I can say right now is Bwana Asifiwe! He is good!

Wish me luck! EEK! :)

much love,
erin

Last day in Ilula...

Roxy
Well this is our last day here at Ilula and tomorrow we’re off to the Safari. I’m finding that my experiences on this trip are pretty hard to put in words; there are so many things that have touched my heart, that I will never be the same. I didn’t write personally the last time we all did b/c I wasn’t sure who would be looking at this, BUT I’m so happy that you (Mom and Benny) have written some things! Mom I can’t wait to come and see the house I’m sure it looks so good and I am so happy that you’re finally getting it all done, I miss you I can’t believe I haven’t talked to you in so long. The tears have been flowing here, who do you think I got that from?!?! Tell Dad, Jess, Doug and the boys I say Hi and I love you all. Benzi I can’t wait to hear about how your new job is going and how things have been!! I miss you so much and can’t wait to see you at the airport, I love you so much. You would have loved it here and I thought about you often when we were with the kids=0)

So an update- I got sick while we were in Kipkaren and was up all night and stayed in until dinner but I’m thankful that it got better after that, and since then I have been great. It’s amazing how much joy these kids have brought me, oh my goodness they are so loving and accepting. I met two girls in particular that both gave me letters and bracelets they were great! I went on a home visit with some others from the group to a woman named Dina’s house and she was amazing. She had so much joy for the Lord and was living with so little but at the same time had so much, I have much more to say about her but I’ll tell you more when I get home. So the stay here at Ilula has been short and I’m sad that we didn’t get more time to interact with everyone. I did get to visit one of the parents yesterday, her name was Mary and she is pregnant with her second child due in about two months I think….it was really nice to get to know her a bit more, and amazing to see how much she cared for all her children and how much she was eager to improve. I can’t imagine having the job of taking care of that many children, but to her it came so easy and she had so much faith in God to keep her strong. Well I think I have written enough, I’ll see you all soon Love you!


Bryan
We arrived in Ilula on Friday, and as it has been raining all week, it was raining then as well. So the dirt roads were more like a muddy swamp. About a mile from the village our vehicle got stuck in the mud so about four of us had the privilege of getting the vehicle unstuck. A little advice to anyone who gets stuck in the mud in the future: the best way to get you vehicle out of the mud is the “rocking method”. Here’s what you do, push the car and let the momentum bring the vehicle back to you, then push it again. After four or five “rocking motions”, you should be cleared from the stuck position. Anyway, we had a lot of fun. The entire group made the best of the situation. The really funny part is when we finally arrived to the village. We had apx 100 kids and 20 adults waiting to welcome us. They were singing songs to honor all of us and to welcome us. So here we are wet and some covered in mud, walking around shaking everybody’s hands. A time we’ll remember for years to come.

I miss all my friends and family. I miss all the students at Discovery; I’m sure things are going well with Lindsay, Brandon, Brian, and all the wonderful leaders in charge. I look forward to Unite Night on Tuesday, Sept 25. The plan is to be in church on Sunday, September 23. I look forward to seeing all of you!

I have so much more to say but I’ll wait until I see all of you. The people here are great and so welcoming and Christ-like. It has really humbled me. I’ll see all of you soon.

PS Tom – you are da man! Thanks for the first aid kit. (Story to follow.)


Kacy
Hellloooo Everyone That I Love! I miss you all greatly, but am sad that our time in Kenya is coming to an end soon. When I left for Kenya, I prayed that I would know God’s character more and in a different way. I prayed that I would get a bigger idea of how BIG God is, experience His love in new ways, and that I might understand the ways He created me to love others. I have learned so much here and have seen over and over again that God is bigger than I ever imagined. I felt like I have been a sponge, absorbing more information and seeing more of God in daily life than I ever imagined. God has definitely been with me in my prayers! I have had many opportunities to have rich discussions with parents, teachers and the kids, of course. This week in Ilula, I was able to teach some parents, Pastor Lucas and Leah Rono, at the Children’s Home how to do “group time” with some of their boys and shared a special bedtime time with the Rono family last night. It’s been a joy and a blessing to be part of these kids’ lives, even for a short time.

We have also been leading children’s activities and devotion times and have been overwhelmed at the love for the Lord even the tiniest kids have. We have heard countless testimonies, memory verses, and beautiful beautiful Swahili songs. PTL! We are sufficiently adorned in beads and covered in love. I enjoy the hang-out down time the most. Amanda and I learned quickly with the Rono family that a love for echo-mics and inflatable guitars is international! Note to self: the echo mic and inflatable instruments have found a home in Kenya… need to purchase more stat. Don’t worry, there is video footage of the first official concert, and I think you might see potential! Rosa and NaNa, there is also a special video for you. Sister, stop being jealous. I left them pictures of you and told them how wonderful you are.

Now let’s talk about how much I love you all and can’t wait to share my pictures and stories. Ailey, I haven’t heard your voice in far too long. Mija and Mooooooo, I miss the A-town lovin’ and wish I could show you pictures in PERSON. To the Fuller folk: let 21 Choices know I’m coming home and prepare yourselves for a killer African dance party (me and Amanda are bringing home instruments!) Drea… IT’S ALMOST TIME! Sister, Rosa, NaNa and the rest of the Schedule crazies: being here in a family-oriented culture has made me miss you like cwwaaaazy! I have told many stories of all of you (well, the ones that are appropriate) but I LOVE LOVE LOVE my family! (Let’s all move to Africa… please?) If Eve and Lily are reading this, I MISS YOU and can’t wait to bring you some surprises! Sadly I will not be bringing home my best African purchase ever: the beloved gum boots (rain boots)… because it hasn’t rained in California IN A YEAR! I will also not be able to bring home the beautiful roses we were given by the children at our welcome. But I bring home their greetings and their love. I am also praying, and ask you to join in my prayers, that I will bring the heart of Kenya with me. I am praying that I will remember to cherish and value each person as a precious creation of God rather than getting lost in schoolwork, practicum, work and general life chaos. It will be a challenge to find balance in American fast-paced life and wanting to incorporate what I have learned in this trip. Go! Fight! Win!
Love you.


Erin
Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE AFRICA??? Just checking.

These few days that we have had in Ilula have been interesting. A lot of the team really poured their hearts out in Kipkaren, so because of that and because of the short time we had here, some of us had a harder time engaging here…and by “us”, I mostly mean “me”. =) However in God’s amazing grace, last night He provided a wonderful time of fellowship and laughter with the children that transformed the strain and the disconnect of the past few days into a time of well-needed emotional re-fueling. I met two kids last night, Alex and Mercy.

Mercy is an 8-year-old beauty who caught me watching her during worship time in devotion. The first time our eyes met her mouth spread into a grin and her eyes quickly darted to the floor and a game of still and silent hide-and-seek began over the heads of 47 singing children. After devotions were over, I saw her walking back to her gazebo for dinner so I ran up behind her to sweep her up into a big hug. Over the next few minutes we stood in a circle with some of her sisters and some of the other girls on the team and played a few games that involved her pushing up on my hands, intertwining her fingers with mine, and giggling as she held onto my fingers and spun under my arm. We didn’t say anything to each other, but we didn’t have to. When it was time to go, she gave me a big smile and a huge hug and I knew that our hearts had been joined forever.

Alex is a 12-year-old orphan who has an incredible leadership ability growing inside of him. I watched him help his brothers and sisters during our craft, set an example of patience and attentiveness during Kacy’s devotion, and when we asked the kids to give a testimony, he was the only one to stand up. He thanked God for everything in his life - from his great parents and home to the blessing of the rain, from the safety God had provided us (the visitors) to the gift of salvation. When I looked at him I felt like I was looking into the future of Kenya, and even more, into the future of the Kingdom, and I was overcome with peace and joy and gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of an organization that is providing orphans like Alex the chance to fulfill God’s calling on their lives.

So, I’m getting ready to be abandoned and left to fend for myself in the African bush!! Well, maybe it’s not quite that dramatic, but I am preparing for the team to leave and to see what this next week and a half will hold for me. Please keep praying! Pray that I will not be afraid to let God keep pouring into me and that I will not be afraid to keep pouring into those around me. Pray for continued health and safety (and maybe for a break in the rain???). Pray that I would be sensitive to what God wants me to see and who He wants me to talk to and what He wants me to learn over the next eleven days and that I would be filled once again with God’s energy, joy, passion, and love.

Thanks to everyone who has been praying us through to this point. Chris & Erica – I hope the move went well and that you are already feeling at home in your new place. Mom & Steve – I hope things are going great for you and that you are dealing ok with Chris and Erica and Taylor (well….mostly Taylor, let’s be honest) being gone. Dad & Lisa – thanks so much for the comments you have left on the blog. It has been such a blessing to get an occasional note from home. Tabitha – I LOVE YOU!!!! I can’t wait til we’re officially roomies for more than a weekend! Everyone else, I miss you and love you and would love to hear from you through comments on the blog over the next 11 days while I’m here by myself!! I love you guys and am so thankful for the role that each of you play in my life and in this journey.
much love,
erin


Kathy
Hello my dear friends and family. We are just days away from returning home and I am so anxious to hug you and look at your faces!

Kenya has been amazing. We have been in Ilula the last few days. Our trip to Ilula was memorable beyond words. The road to the Children’s Home/Training Center was muddy, muddy, muddy. In fact, both vehicles got stuck at some point. Fortunately we had purchased “gum boots” in Eldoret on our way here. These are basically just big rubber boots. It was so much fun to walk…it was raining, muddy…and when the vehicle got stuck we went back to push. We rocked it until it finally went forward…and sprayed us with rich, red mud. We were an absolute mess when we arrived at the Children’s Home to 92 children singing…waiting for us with bouquets of roses. It was such a lovely reception.

Samuel and Laban, who run this facility, are amazing men of God. Their wives, too, are so wonderful to talk to. These people are doing an unbelievable work in the midst of so many challenges. They truly are heroes.

We were supposed to leave tomorrow morning, driving to Eldoret then flying to Nairobi and catching another flight to the Safari location. With the amount of rain and mud we’ve decided to leave this afternoon and fly to Nairobi, spend the night at the Mayfield Missions Home and leave tomorrow for the Safari. Because our flight was due out early it seemed best to get out this afternoon. It will be an adventure that I’ll surely tell you about.

My heart has been so filled, challenged and broken. I don’t even know what I’m learning. I just try to take it all in and pray that I will never be the same…never go back to who I was before I came. I don’t know all that means, but I know that I want to be changed by this. I love you all dearly and pray blessings on you. I hug you.
Kathy


Joanne
Rose…are the Camboni Missionaries in Nairobi? If so, where?


Amanda
Hello everyone! I wish I could tell you that I miss you all dearly and that I am homesick and want to come home, but, if I tell the truth I love it here and don’t miss LA at all. J Of course, if I wasn’t coming home in a few days I’m sure I would miss you more. Haha.

Thank you so much for your prayers. Since I’ve been healthier (and not dizzy) my time here has been wonderful. There is such a rich and deeply rooted presence of God here and I feel like I’ve been pulled back on course just by watching how these people love their God and depend on Him for all things. Words really can’t describe the steadfastness of their faith…I wish they could!

Kipkaren and Illula (the village we are in now) are very different communities. Aside from the geographical and climate differences, the people and programs are very distinct, and I have really enjoyed both of them. Kipkaren was more chaotic…not that the programs and purpose weren’t organized, things ran like a well-oiled machine. But the energy was explosive and a good representation of Africa, I think (chaotic yet completely ordered at the same time). Illula is more mellow and methodical. The leaders here have been at it a little longer; they are seasoned and wise and I have truly appreciated the small glimpse I have gotten of their obedient service to the Lord and the people of their country.

We are off to safari today, and I hate to admit that I am so scared of being eaten by a lion that I’d rather skip the adventure and stay here and learn more from these wonderful people. But, there will be a good amount of debriefing in the next few days, and so I would like to ask that you would pray hard for me in this final stretch. Please pray that I will hear from God and understand how to begin to relate this experience to the rest of my experiences and my future direction. Brian mentioned when we were in Kipkaren that when you go to Africa, you leave with a disease called Africa that you can never get rid of. I think I’ve been bit with the bug, but still need to know what to do with it!

Thanks again for your prayers. I love you and can’t wait to show pictures and share stories (like when I got locked in the choo [bathroom]!) J

Bwana Asifiwe (Praise the Lord),
Amanda
PS: Mom and Dad I am glad you made it to your new home safely and hope you are getting settled!
PPS: thank you to all who have left comments or emails of encouragement. I have gotten to read most of them at least briefly and they have spurred me on! Bless you!

Good morning on our last morning in Kipkaren! I’m writing on behalf of the whole team as we are busy packing our things and heading to Ilula. Word on the street is that the road to Ilula is going to be high HIGH adventure! It has rained a lot this week, especially the last two days, making the roads…um, a challenge. We’ll be thanking God for the opportunity to pray as we drive and for the laughter the journey will surely cause.

Last night was our final time with the children. We did devotions with them as usual and wrapped up the week with a physical representation of the gospel message – Bryan acted as Jesus and laid his body down on the ground for Jo to walk across the gap of sin and make it into fellowship with God (played by Christina). After devotions were over, we spent a few minutes taking pictures, receiving letters and small gifts from the children, and saying our tearful goodbyes. These children have for sure taken a special place in our hearts and we will never be the same.

We had an amazing “Bye-Bye Service” with the adults of Kipkaren last night. Representatives from the Training Center, Children’s Home, leadership students, Home-Based Care team, and the missionary community gave speeches and shared the impact that team has left on the community here, then the three pastors on staff prayed for us. We were so touched by their sincerity and kind words…there wasn’t a dry eye in the room! To close, Joshua (our favorite worship leader) started a song and all of our new friends joined in singing in their beautiful Kenyan harmonies. As they sang, they lined up and gave each of us a warm hug, wished us journey mercies, and welcomed us back with a “karibu tena!” We all laughed together as Pastor Peter demonstrated his sweet dance moves, including the motorbike (kickstand, kickstand) and as Bush (the director of the Children’s Home) and Bishop David competed in a jumping contest to the beat of the music. It’s incredible how deep and rich our friendships have become even after only being here for a week. God is so good!

We are so grateful for your continued prayers and comments on the blog. We pray that you are able to get a sense of the amazing things God is allowing us to learn and experience even through our humble and inadequate words. Ben - Roxy misses and loves you too and can’t wait to share all of her exciting and fun memories with you when she gets home. =)

much love,
erin and T.K.

CA Team - Continuing on!

Greetings and salutations from Team Kenya!! We are together sending this so here are the high points of our last two days.
• Yesterday several of us went on home visits. One of the great experiences of Kenya is to go into homes of Kenyans and see them as they are, to encourage them. It is a great honor for a Kenyan that you would come into their homes. Many of them are HIV positive. And for us it is a great experience to see these local villages and homes. It truly is a life changing experience. Christina adds that it is a great opportunity to pray with people in their own setting.
• Bryan says he got bit by a Black Mamba…but Bryan lies all the time and he’s no weirder than when we arrived…so you make the call.
• We’ve spent a lot of time at the school and the Children’s Home. Our time there continues to be sweet. Erin was sitting on the tire swing with a little one on her lap yesterday…trying to put the child’s hands on the ropes and then tickling her. The laughter and glee were infectious and utterly beautiful. We do a daily devotional with the kids in the evening before dinner. The stories, worship and crafts delight the kids…but surely we are more impacted than they. We wish you could hear their voices raised in worship…see their hands raised and eyes closed. It is heaven.
• Bryan enjoyed very much playing football with the kids yesterday…which begs the question of how he’s faring after the snake bite….
• Kacy adds that her career as a “Jumperoo” paid off as she joined in jump rope games with the girls and excelled. Perhaps her “in your face” attitude when she wins is inappropriate but she seems to be loved anyway…
• Some of us have participated in a Leadership Conference for students and alumni of the Training Center. Brian and his Baba talked on vision and communication, our friend Fernando spoke on challenges in leadership, Amanda talked about being a force in the nation as leaders who seek justice. Kathy closed last night talking about perspective…seeing our life as a whole in God’s story.
• Amanda, who you know was sick the first couple of days, is much recovered. Its good to see color in her cheeks and her voice singing again.
• Ben, Roxy wants to remind you that she will be home on Friday the 21st at about 11:30pm. In fact, to all of you who are picking us up….make note!!

From Team Kenya we send love, hugs and blessings. We are experiencing so much that cannot yet be put into words. Thanks for your ongoing prayers.

T.K.

Christian Assembly - Settling in.

BRYAN SANDS:
Dear family and friends,
From Bryan

All is well and I love my time here. The group and I have been spending a lot of time with the children. They are so precious. They’re not use to seeing other human beings with white skin so every time we get kids around us they are inquisitive and put their hands all over our face and hands attempting to figure us out. The children are so well behaved and respectful to everyone. Yes, it’s true, children can behave!

There are ninety-three children in the orphanage and four sets of parents who are in charge of them. The children stay in separate rooms than the parents and it’s very organized. It’s neat seeing how the older kids take care of the younger kids.

We’ll be in Kipkaren (that’s the village we’re in now) until Friday then we head to Ilula (another African village) for a few days and we’ll top off our journey with a two day safari. Oh and on our way back to the States we’ll stop at a restaurant and I’ll enjoy some giraffe and zebra (and no I don’t think the meat is striped).

I do miss all you youth group students, family and friends. Thank you for your continued prayers while I’m here. I am truly grateful.

Love, Bryan

CAROLYN AND CHRISTINA CONTRERAS:
Greetings Mom, Dad, Sheshe, Meagan, Eddie, Adrienne, and P&P!

Kipkaren is wonderful and we’re doing very well with the toilet and bath situation, we have just about mastered it Kenyan style. We miss and love you all very much. God Bless
Love, Christina and Carolyn

AMANDA MORGAN

Hey everyone! I think by now there’s been a post or two that we have arrived safely and have begun activities with the orphans and others who live at the ELI Center. I wish I had some wonderful stories to share with you all, but unfortunately, God has really been humbling me and the time here so far has been very difficult. I have been pretty sick ever since we arrived, and have spent the majority of each day in bed. It has been challenging to have come all this way and yet feel separate from the team and the wonderful people here. Please pray for God to fully heal me and allow me to join in the events of each day. Please pray specifically for God to heal me of dizziness – I have literally been dizzy 24 hours a day since we arrived last Friday and it is making everything very difficult.

Thank you so much for your prayers…I really feel a great need for them right now. Keep praying, and I hope I can send you stories of fun adventures soon!

Grateful for you,
Amanda

KATHY CHRISTOPHER

So to my family and friends I send my personal greetings and much love. I think of you more than you know as I see and experience so many new and different….and challenging things. The first night here (I was very over-tired and you know that means I’m unraveling), I went to bed and was feeling utterly inadequate for this task…unsure that I had it in me to be whatever I’m supposed to be here. I drew a word of encouragement from the bag Sarah sent with me. It was Micah 6:8. “The Lord has told you what is good. To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Well heck, I can do that! It was such a moment of God showing up to encourage me. I was very, very grateful. Every day has had amazing blessings…holding these children, playing with them, being blessed by them. Every day has also had great personal challenges like feeling totally out of sync with the culture, anxious that I not do the wrong thing, trying to take care of basic human needs…daily necessities…personal stuff…you know what I mean? It ain’t Kohler bathrooms over here….
I just wanted to let you know that I love you. Nikki, Sara and Sarahd, thank you for your thoughtful notes. To each of you who I know is praying for me, thinking of me, missing me, it means the world. I love you and can’t wait to show you these pictures…though I know they cannot capture the fullness of what’s going on here.
I send you greetings from Kenya.
kath


KACY CHAFFIN
Hello everyone!! Thank you so much for your prayers and the support that has led me here to this great adventure! Kenya already has a hold on my heart. (Don’t tell NaNa!) My health has been well and I have slept more here than I have in my entire life! I have developed a love for Chai (Melissa Ailey will be pleased) and am diggin’ the African cuisine. PTL for my hot pink leggings as I adjust to a life of skirts and slips! I’ve befriended a sweet, sweet child named Gloria and her friends are working on teaching us African dances. Prepare yourself for some sweet new moves. Yesterday I went on a home visit and was blessed to see life outside of the community we are staying in and learn about the culture. I even got to see a video of an African wedding!
I am having a wonderful time as God is showing me His character in new ways. I do not yet have words to capture my experience, but am praying that I will internalize the moments here in a way that I will be able to hold on to forever. I love you all and am excited to share stories and pictures! (PS: Sorry Sister. A child stepped on your camera and broke the flash.) Sending you kisses and hugs! Love, Love, LOVE YOU!

ERIN MCLAUGHLIN
Hey friends!! Bwana asifiwe! (That means “Praise the Lord,” and you should be responding with a resounding “AMEN” right about now…) Since we have arrived, I haven’t stopped thinking of the AMPM slogan that says, “Too much good stuff.” From our beautiful welcome to the hilarious time of trying to fly a kite with the kids, the sounds of the church singing praise songs and the river rushing by outside our room to the amazing view of the valley all around us, the hugs from our brothers and sisters here that are full of warmth and love to the sweet moments of rocking my new little orphan friend as she sleeps peacefully on my chest, my heart is full.
Mom, Dad, you may not be too excited about this, but I feel once again like my heart has come home. I still very much feel like a kid eating Thanksgiving dinner at the grown-ups table for the first time, but I know even more now that my place with ELI is a gift from God and that this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Thank you so much for your prayers! Please continue to pray for unity, health, and safety for our team, that we would be diligent in listening and responding to God’s direction for each day we are here, and that we would have open hearts to process all the amazing things we are experiencing and clearly hear what God is trying to teach us.
Oh, and good news everyone: No new parasites as of yet! (but I’ll keep you posted…)

much love,
erin


Joann Saraceno

To the Saraceno clan and Friends

Woo-hoo! I am in Kenya!!!!!
Praise the Lord! [Amen!]
Praise the Lord, again! [Amen]

Hmmmmmmmm I am told to keep this short so……….. Just some things for you to ask me and I’ll tell you about :
• The plane ride and God’s blessings w/ the seating arrangements and those I sat next to
• The toilet adventures and the advantages of dropping something in the toilet and not having to worry about it clogging up the drain (the downside… the item is non-retrievabe!!0
• The Kenyan shower…. Which I will attempt to do in our drought state ….however… the first shower was a little awkward… me in my birthday suit and the door flying open!!! Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord….
• Fab food
• Even more fab…. The music!!!! Yippie I love the music!!
• The Kenyan people very welcoming both the adults and the children; I am finally getting and giving my daily dose of hugs
The life is not fast paced at all, very peaceful!!
I spent sometime in the class room…. Awesome! Rose you would love it! The kids are very well behaved and the teachers do not spend any time babysitting…. They teach! Almost all lessons are taught in English!!!

God is sooooooooooooo visible; in this compound, God rules and the successes are because of Him. This place is a place of hope. The children thrive because they are loved and they know the King of Kings!

I’ve exceeded my space….. I love you all;
Remember who you are!
Rafiki and Mike start saving your money…. You’re next!! God has take care of the anxiety stuff…. I only threw up twice!! Right on!
Happy Birthday Pam

Love hugs and Blessings,
Ho
For whom the Son sets free shall be free indeed! Ciao.


ROXY

Hello and love to all of my friends and family. I send greetings!

Greetings from the CA Team

Jambo! Greetings!!
As you've been told, we have arrived safely. So much has happened that it would be difficult to convey all of it, but on behalf of the team I will try to give you a taste of our life thus far.
Our journey was approximately 32 hours long...waiting, airplane, waiting, airplane, wild ride through Nairobi, SMALL plane (wee-haa!), wild van ride from Eldoret to Kipkaren Children's Home and Training Center. By end of day on Friday we were zombies. Gratefully, God's promise is true: His mercies are new every morning. On Saturday we awoke to sunshine, breakfast and shining faces...theirs and ours!
While individual stories will come when we return home, I will try to give you a picture of what we've been doing. We have spent several hours a day at the Children's Home worshipping and playing with the children. They truly are so amazing. They worship God with such abandoned and love to sing. They are inspiring to watch and to follow. These children show so much love and care...they love to hold our hand and to sit on your lap. They show respect and affection together.
Christina, Caroline, Amanda, Casey and Roxy did a wonderful job of leading games for the children on Saturday afternoon. Bryan and Brian played soccer with the boys and a good time was had by all. Joanne is amazing at connecting with everyone, adults and children alike. Kathy was assigned the cameras which was so much fun. The kids loved to see their pictures on the digital camera...they are NOT camera shy!
We were given a full tour of the Children's Home and the school. What an amazing work they are doing here...with so much love and integrity. I'll let each team member give you the low down on how they operate the Home. Its amazing.
This morning the team hosted the Sunday School for the children from the Home as well as local children. The girls (noted above) did a fabulous job of telling the story of David and teaching the children "He Knows My Name." It was wonderful. The morning church service (over 3 hours!) was such a grand experience. They sing their hearts out...children and adults...in genuine pure worship. Many are called upon to share their testimony and then there is a brief message from the Word. Today Kathy was asked to bring it (scary!). God is faithful and the translator was very good. Most of the community speaks English, but Swahili is most comfortable for them, so everything is done in both languages. It truly felt like the Church as God sees it...all kinds of people together worshipping Him.
The food has been good...and very different. Fernando, a visitor here with APU missionaries, made salsa yesterday and you would have thought he had discovered the cure for cancer! We praised him embarrassingly and savored every bite. I'll withhold sharing on the bathroom and shower facilities...ask us when we get home!
It is Sunday afternoon here...some of us have gone to the market (Fernando has orders for more salsa!), some to a home visit, and some are taking their Sabbath fully to rest. We are so very grateful for your prayers and love. We feel them and cherish them.
Every team member sends their love to family and friends. Kristen, Isaiah and Hope: Brian/daddy sends love. Budd...I miss you. And personally to every one of you family members and friends we send greeting and love. Perhaps on the next blog we will have opportunity for personal messages...I'll see how we can do that. Wayne ('Baba Brian'...Brian's dad)is a wonderful, kind presence among us.

From Team CA here in Kipkaren, we send love, greetings and gratitude.
Bwana asifiwei (God Bless you).
kathy

CA: Safely in Kipkaren

Just a short note: The CA team has arrived safely in Kipkaren. I haven't seen them or talked to them but am merely relaying a message from the team in Kipkaren. I'll have the team write an update tomorrow when I'm in Kipkaren.

~ Adele, for the team